Matthew Hyde is a translator of fiction and non-fiction from Russian and Estonian. After studying Russian and politics at London and Essex Universities, and gaining his Institute of Linguists Diploma in Translation with a distinction for literary translation, Matthew worked for 15 years for the British Government as a translator, research analyst, and diplomat, with postings in London, Moscow, and Tallinn (as Deputy Head of Mission). Following this last posting Matthew chose to remain in Tallinn with his Estonian partner and baby son, where he plays the double bass and translates.